28 Greatest Starting Pitchers of All Time

David BidenOct 30, 2016

Pitchers are some of the most important players in professional baseball. In fact, a good pitcher could mean the difference between winning the World Series, and not even getting there! Join us as we look at 28 greatest starting pitchers ever to grace the game.

Roy Halladay

Nicknamed ‘Doc’, Halladay turned pro straight when he was drafted by Toronto Blue Jays. After 12 years of service, he was drafted by Philadelphia Phillies. He won 8 All-Star awards in his career.

Jim Bunning

Our first Hall of Famer on this list is Jim Bunning, a man who played for 4 different teams. This included a nine-year stint at Detroit Tigers. He won 9 All-Star awards and 3 Strikeout Leader awards.

Tom Glavine

One of the game’s most famous left-handed pitchers was Tom Glavine. He played for only two teams over his 21-year career and won the 1995 World Series with Atlanta Braves.

Rick Reuschel

Big Daddy’ was known for his unusual pitching style. It was this ability that earned him 3 All-Star and 2 Golden Glove Awards. He played in 2 World Series, in 1981 and 1989, but never won.

Andy Pettitte

Andy was a late bloomer, making his debut at the age of 23, but he remains one of the Yankees’ finest pitchers. He won 5 World Series rings over the course of his career, and played until 41!

Robin Roberts

Robin Roberts had a colorful career with four different teams. He was the leader for 4 years running in National League wins. And he boasted a 3.41 ERA over his 19-year career and sadly passed away in 2010.

Jim Kaat

Pitching legend Kaat won a staggering 16 Gold Gloves in his career. He is a testament to endurance and determination when he finally won a World Series, in his 24th season, at the age of 43!

Kevin Brown

One of the most deserving Hall of Famers never to make the Hall of Fame, Kevin Brown had an impressive career. He twice led the National League in ERA, and he is a World Series winner with Florida Marlins.

Phil Niekro

Phil is considered one of the finest pitchers in the game and played 24 MLB seasons. His career saw him win 5 Golden Glove and 5 All-Star awards, and he made the Hall of Fame in 1997.

Tommy John

Tommy John is one of the game’s true greats. He had 288 career victories, which is the 7th highest in MLB history among left-handers. And he is the namesake of a revolutionary type of elbow surgery.

John Smoltz

Smoltz pitched for Atlanta Braves, Boston Red Sox, and St. Louis Cardinals. He won 8 All-Star awards and picked up a World Series win in 1995. His dominant career earned him a Hall of Fame induction last year.

Curt Schilling

Curt is one of the biggest names on this list and was part of the dominant Red Sox team of the 00’s. He won three World Series rings, 2 with the Red Sox, and 1 with Arizona Diamondbacks.

Fergie Jenkins

Fergie spent most of his career with Chicago Cubs, but also played for the Phillies, the Red Sox, and Texas Rangers. He set an unprecedented streak of 6 seasons of 20 or more wins, and also won 3 All-Star awards.

Mike Mussina

Why was Mike Mussina such an iconic player? Well, his longevity and ability to reinvent himself saw him play until 40! He led the league for games started and picked up 7 Gold Glove awards.

Bob Gibson

An absolute legend of the game, and one of the greatest pitchers ever to live. 2 World Series wins, 9 All-Star and Gold Glove awards, and an MLB ERA leader award are just part of his great legacy.

Pedro Martinez

Martinez broke through at Montreal Expos, but it was when he joined the Red Sox that greatness came knocking. He secured a World Series title and had the league’s lowest ERA 4 times.

Don Sutton

If you’re a Dodgers fan, you’ll have heard of the legendary Don Sutton. One of the finest pitchers in Dodgers history, Don led the National League in ERA and pitched in 4 World Series’ in his career.

Tom Seaver

Seaver was one of the most talented pitchers of his era and a Mets icon. He led the ‘Miracle Mets’ to the ’69 World Series win, and captured 12 All-Star awards! Tom made the Hall of Fame in 1992.

Steve Carlton

A star name among left-handed pitchers, Steve played until the ripe old age of 43. His playing career earned him acclaim and recognition, two World Series rings, and the 1972 Triple Crown.

Gaylord Perry

Perry enjoyed a career spanning over two decades and represented eight teams. Despite a successful spell with the San Francisco Giants, he never made a World Series appearance.

Bert Blyleven

Bert was perhaps best known in his career for stints with Pittsburgh Pirates and Minnesota Twins. He won a World Series with each and posted an impressive 103.3 WAR in his career.

Nolan Ryan

Considered in many circles to be the greatest pitcher of all time, certainly the most naturally talented. Nolan won a World Series, was a record 11x Strikeout Leader, and has the most walks in MLB history. Wow.

Randy Johnson

Johnson didn’t start making waves until his stint with Seattle Mariners. He scooped a World Series ring with Arizona Diamondbacks, as well as snagging 5 Cy Young Awards and a Triple Crown.

Greg Maddux

Mad Dog’ Maddux set a number of records in his career. He won the ’95 World Series with Atlanta Braves, and 4 consecutive Cy Young Awards, and posted a career 3.16 ERA.

Roger Clemens

Yankees legend Roger is one of the most decorated pitchers in the game. He picked up 2 World Series rings with the Yankees, as well as posting a 3.14 ERA, and 4 MLB wins leader awards. What a legend!

Warren Spahn

The curveball was Warren’s specialty, and he was one of the game’s most esteemed pitchers. He ranks 6th all-time for career games won, as well as winning a World Series and 17 All-Star awards.

Bob Feller

Rapid Rob’ is considered to be one of the fastest and hardest pitchers in history. He achieved 6 AL Wins Leader award, 7 MLB Strikeout Leader awards, a Triple Crown, and a 1948 World Series.

Sandy Koufax

The youngest player ever to make the Hall of Fame, Koufax smashed many records before his retirement. He won a staggering FOUR World Series championships and is one of the greatest pitchers ever.